Tony and Monica Brothers donate $25,000 to TCC Women’s Center

Tony and Monica Brothers, founders of the Still Hope Foundation, Inc., which empowers single mothers to become self-sufficient, has made a gift of $25,000 to the Tidewater Community College Women’s Center to help students meet their educational goals and ultimately provide a better life for themselves and their families.

“We are grateful to the Brothers family for this gift,” said TCC President Edna V. Baehre-Kolovani. “The funds will translate into increased services for students, and ultimately enhance student success.”

Monica Brothers, interim president and executive director of Still Hope Foundation, said her connection with the Women’s Center was strengthened when she served on the board. “I believe strongly in the mission of the Center because I saw firsthand the needs of students,” she said.

A plaque recognizing the gift was unveiled at the Women’s Center’s Norfolk Campus location on July 30.

Celebrating the gift to the Women’s Center are Jeanne Natali, President Edna Baehre-Kolovani, Monica Brothers, Marian Bonner, Tony Brothers and Mary Pat Liggio.

The gift was given in honor of Dorothy Brothers-Jones and Marian Bonner, the mothers of Tony and Monica Brothers.

“Both of our mothers were single parents, and they had strong support networks with friends and family, but many moms don’t have that support,” Monica Brothers said. “We realize that our lives could have ended up differently. And today, we are dedicated to filling the gaps for single moms in our area.”

The Women’s Center, established in 1993, serves as a resource on women’s issues and works to promote an atmosphere of diversity, inclusiveness and equality. “This gift will help us continue charting new territory by expanding programs aimed at increasing students’ readiness for leadership and careers,” said Jeanne Natali, interim coordinator of the Women’s Center.